ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir threw 42 pitches during his first batting practice session today.

Kazmir is on the 15-day disabled list because of a left elbow strain. He was shut down after experiencing discomfort while warming up for an intrasquad game on Feb. 26. The left-hander could have another BP session or pitch in an extended spring training game this weekend.

"Kaz threw the ball well," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "The velocity was in the low 90's pretty consistently. See what he looks like tomorrow."

Kazmir, the reigning AL strikeout champion, went 13-9 with a 3.48 ERA last season. He could rejoin the team before the end of the month.

"I threw my last three bullpens with the same effort, so I pretty much know what I'm going to expect the next day, and that's really not feeling anything at all," Kazmir said.

Rays left-handed Kirk Birkins, on the DL with a left elbow injury, threw 45 pitches in his second batting practice session. He might pitch in an extended spring game late this week.